Solar farm near Scarborough receives approval

April Lara
-
0
Solar farm near Scarborough receives approval

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to establish a large solar farm near Scarborough. The 49-hectare facility, which will span the equivalent of 70 football pitches, is set to be built in East Heslerton.

Once completed, the solar farm will have the capacity to generate up to 23.5 megawatts of power, helping to meet peak energy demand. Construction is expected to take six months, with the site set to operate for the next four decades.

The original proposal for an 89-hectare site was scaled down following consultations, with the new plan incorporating community feedback from a month-long consultation held in summer 2023.

The farm will be primarily composed of solar panels, while battery storage will be housed in shipping container-like structures. The batteries will be charged during off-peak hours and used to supply electricity to the local distribution network during peak times.

The development received no objections from key authorities, including the Environment Agency and the North York Moors National Park Authority. While some local concerns were raised about the use of agricultural land and food security, the proposal received support for its environmental benefits, including contributing to climate change mitigation.

Approval was granted with several conditions to ensure the project aligns with local regulations.

Homebuilder appoints new CEO

Tess Egginton
-
0
Homebuilder appoints new CEO
Homebuilder Keepmoat has promoted divisional chairman, Ian Hoad, to the role of chief executive officer. Ian succeeds Tim Beale, who has stepped down as chief executive following eight years with the business. Ian initially joined Keepmoat in 1996, staying with the business for five years. He then gained valuable industry experience with other major housebuilders before rejoining Keepmoat in 2009, fulfilling a number of different roles including technical director and regional managing director. He was promoted to the role of divisional chairman in 2019. He will officially take up his role as CEO on 1st July. Tim Beale said: “After careful consideration, I have taken the decision that the time is right for me to step down as CEO. I am delighted that the board has appointed Ian Hoad, Divisional Chairman for Scotland, the North East, and Yorkshire East to be my successor. “I am confident that under his leadership the business will continue to go from strength to strength. I will remain with the business over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.” Commenting on his promotion, Ian said: “I am incredibly proud to be given this opportunity to lead the Keepmoat business and steer it through its exciting next stage of growth and development. “Our differentiated Partnership model has proven to be resilient with our focus on first time buyers and brownfield developments and is extremely well positioned to deliver on that significant future growth. “I look forward to continuing to work with our public and private sector partners and Keepmoat’s highly capable management team, to deliver the high-quality multi-tenure homes and communities that the country so desperately needs. I would like to thank Tim and the Board for their support and for entrusting me with the leadership of Keepmoat.” Paul Golding, managing partner at Aermont, added: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Tim for his outstanding leadership of Keepmoat over the past eight years. He has been an exemplary CEO, transforming and developing the business and its partnership model. “Tim informed the board of his decision to step down over a year ago, enabling us to conduct an extensive external and internal search to find his successor. The conclusion of this is the internal appointment of Ian Hoad as Keepmoat’s CEO. “Ian has continually impressed us with his operational expertise, his focus on delivering for all stakeholders and his energy and passion for the business. We look forward to working with Ian as we continue to grow the business and deliver much needed housing.”

Planning approved for £22m housing development in Fenay Bridge

April Lara
-
0
Planning approved for £22m housing development in Fenay Bridge

A £22.15 million housing development in Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield, has received planning approval. The project, named Violet, will deliver 67 new homes, offering a mix of two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom properties. Located on Rowley Lane, near Penistone Road, the development will feature terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes, with prices starting from £269,995 for a two-bedroom semi-detached house.

This development is part of the Kirklees Local Plan, which aims to build 31,140 new homes between 2013 and 2031. Violet will include 13 different house types from Honey’s portfolio, ensuring a range of options for prospective homeowners. Work on the site is set to begin this month, with the first properties expected to be available for sale in July. The first residents are anticipated to move in by spring next year.

In addition to creating new homes, the development will contribute to local infrastructure improvements through financial support for various community initiatives.

Medical procedures provider hails “exceptional year” as turnover and profit rise

Tess Egginton
-
0
Medical procedures provider hails “exceptional year” as turnover and profit rise

The CEO of One Health Group, the Sheffield-based independent provider of NHS-funded medical procedures, has hailed an “exceptional year.”

Releasing audited results for the year ended 31 March 2025, the business saw turnover reach £28.4m, up from £23m in the year prior. Meanwhile, the firm made a pre-tax profit of £1.5m, up from £1.1m.

A total of 7,043 surgical procedures were delivered for NHS patients, marking a 14% increase, delivered through nine independent hospitals. The results come as One Health Group awaits planning permission for the construction of its first surgical hub, which is expected to deliver significant additional operating capacity in 2026. Adam Binns, CEO, said: “The whole team have delivered an exceptional year with multiple records established in key operational and financial measures across the organisation.

“In addition to a significant uplift in direct referrals from NHS patients exercising their statutory right to choose One Health as their provider of care through ‘Patient Choice’ after visiting their GP, we have continued to support five individual NHS Trusts’ with their internal patient waiting lists, further reducing the pressure on the NHS.

“Amongst several highlights in the year was a successful listing on AIM in March raising £7.8 million, with net proceeds to the Group of £5.6 million and £2.2 million gross proceeds to selling shareholders. This funding will be used to develop our first surgical hub, a key part of our mid to long term growth strategy to deliver strategic surgical capacity growth in underserved areas, with planning feedback expected shortly.

“We have delivered a strong performance in all our three drivers of growth; more patients, more operating theatre capacity and a record number of new surgeons applying to provide their services to the Group. This has enabled us to provide our services to a wider community of NHS patients.

“Finally, and importantly, key to our continued development is the investment in our people to ensure we continue to attract and retain the best talent, whilst focussing on nurturing and developing the expertise within the One Health team to support robust, clinically safe growth.

“Given the considerable progress made over the last year, One Health is well placed to support the increasing demands of NHS commissioners and NHS patients through the delivery of fast, free, local healthcare.

“Activity into Q1 26 has remained strong and we look forward to the future with confidence, as our business model which has been providing care, free at the point of delivery to NHS patients for over 20 years, continues to grow, providing more care to more patients through ‘Patient Choice’ across an ever-increasing geography to reduce the pressure on the NHS.”

Accu takes on the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Huddersfield charity The Kirkwood

Tess Egginton
-
0
Accu takes on the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Huddersfield charity The Kirkwood
A group of employees from Accu, an engineering component distributor in Huddersfield, have gone the extra mile in support of The Kirkwood charity by taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Eighteen team members hiked up and down the Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough mountains – a 24-mile round trip, including 1,585m of ascent, raising over a thousand pounds for the hospice charity. The Kirkwood provides specialist care and support to individuals affected by life-restricting illness across Kirklees. One member of the Accu team, Richard Durr, operations director, said: “Taking on the Three Peaks as a team was a real test of endurance, but knowing it was for The Kirkwood gave every step extra purpose. It was inspiring to see everyone pull together for such a vital cause.” Hannah Laverick, management accountant at Accu, added: “Climbing those peaks was as much a mental challenge as a physical one, but the sense of achievement and the reason behind it made it all worth it. Supporting The Kirkwood means supporting people in our own community.” This year’s charity partnership was chosen by the Accu Community Group, made up of Accu employees, specifically to support local community projects. With just 25% of The Kirkwood’s funding provided by the NHS, the charity depends heavily on donations, fundraising events and support from local organisations to provide medical care, practical advice, emotional support and guidance for families during some of life’s most difficult times. Alastair Morris, managing director of Accu, said: “Our partnership with The Kingwood is really important to us and we are very proud of our team’s recent fundraising event for the charity doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks. This is just the start as our employees will be working hard on their fundraising efforts for The Kirkwood over the coming months.” Michael Crowther, chief executive at The Kirkwood, said: “We’re delighted that Accu has chosen The Kirkwood as their Charity of the Year. It’s an incredible gesture, and knowing that the decision to support us was led by its employees, via The Accu Community Group, is truly humbling. “Accu are a local business with a global reach, and their values align closely with our own. Just like The Kirkwood, they put people at the very heart of everything they do.” In an effort to raise more funds, Accu is set to participate in The Kirkwood Starlight Walk on 5th July, a community walk taking place in the evening across the streets of Huddersfield. More fundraising activities are in the pipeline for Accu as the company aims to raise £5,000 in the year ahead, with plans currently underway for a sponsored charity games night.

York music equipment firm sees revenue and profit rise

Tess Egginton
-
0
York music equipment firm sees revenue and profit rise

Revenue and profit are on the rise at Gear4music, the York-based online retailer of musical instruments and music equipment.

It follows the recent failure of two UK competitors, from which the business acquired selected assets from their administrators.

According to financial results for the year ended 31 March 2025, revenue increased to £146.7m from £144.4m in the year prior. Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, grew to £1.6m from £600,000.

Andrew Wass, executive chair, said: “We are pleased to confirm that our FY25 financial results are in line with the Year-End trading update published on 2 April 2025, with growth in revenue, EBITDA and Profit Before Tax, alongside a further reduction in Net Debt.

“Following the implementation of a wide range of cost reduction measures during FY24, and the relaunch of our Growth Strategy in June 2024, our primary focus during FY25 has been to begin the successful execution of this revised strategy.

“On 16 April 2025, we reported a return to double-digit sales growth from mid-March onwards, and we are pleased to confirm that since then, both sales momentum and gross margins have continued to increase.

“This encouraging performance reflects the early positive impact of our revised strategy, alongside a more favourable competitive landscape following the recent failure of two UK competitors. As previously reported the Group subsequently acquired selected assets from their Administrators, further strengthening our market position.

“Although it remains early in the new financial year, the Group has benefited from these developments and the Board is uplifting its expectations for the Group’s financial performance for the year ending 31 March 2026.”

Batt Cables opens new logistics hub in Doncaster to strengthen UK supply chain

April Lara
-
0
Batt Cables opens new logistics hub in Doncaster to strengthen UK supply chain

Batt Cables has announced the opening of a new logistics facility in Doncaster, strategically located near key motorways, including the M1, M18, and M62. This prime location enables faster distribution across the UK, reducing transit times and enhancing delivery efficiency.

The expanded Doncaster hub will provide additional storage space to accommodate a broader range of over 3,200 cables and accessories. This increased inventory capacity ensures better product availability, enabling the company to handle larger orders and support demanding projects.

The new facility is equipped with advanced stock management and order processing systems, ensuring quicker response times and greater reliability for clients across industries like construction, infrastructure, and energy. The hub will be integral in delivering enhanced service for both northern and southern UK customers.

This new addition complements Batt Cables’ existing sites in Kent, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh, further solidifying the company’s nationwide supply chain. The Doncaster hub is a key step in the company’s long-term investment in infrastructure aimed at meeting the growing demand for cable solutions across the UK.

Hull City Council seeks £1bn in funding for infrastructure upgrades

April Lara
-
0
Hull City Council seeks £1bn in funding for infrastructure upgrades

Hull City Council has approved a comprehensive five-year plan to enhance the city’s bridges, statues, monuments, and fountains. This initiative aims to transform the preservation and management of Hull’s infrastructure by integrating capital spending, inspections, and maintenance into one coordinated approach.

As part of the plan, the council is requesting funding from the government’s newly announced £1bn Structures Fund. The fund, launched on 16 June, is part of a national effort to repair, enhance, and futureproof England’s transport infrastructure and road networks.

The project is expected not only to safeguard and upgrade Hull’s infrastructure but also to provide a boost to local businesses and stimulate economic growth. The investment will focus on improving safety, reducing the likelihood of emergency closures, and enhancing public transport reliability, all of which are crucial for boosting the local economy and creating jobs.

The council believes these upgrades will contribute to better journey times, improved safety, and an overall more reliable transport system for residents and businesses in Hull and the surrounding areas.

Amazon to invest £40 billion in UK, with major developments in Hull and beyond

April Lara
-
0
Amazon to invest £40 billion in UK, with major developments in Hull and beyond

Amazon has committed to a substantial £40 billion investment in the UK. Over the next three years, the e-commerce leader will expand its presence in the UK, creating thousands of new jobs and boosting its existing workforce of 75,000 employees.

The planned investment includes the development of two new high-tech fulfilment centres in the East Midlands, slated to open by 2027. These will complement new facilities in Hull and Northampton, expected to create 2,000 jobs each. The investment will also fund the construction of additional delivery stations nationwide, as well as upgrades to Amazon’s existing network of over 100 operational sites. Amazon’s corporate headquarters in London will receive two new buildings, and the company will redevelop the Bray Film Studios in Berkshire.

This move is a significant part of Amazon’s ongoing strategy, which also includes an £8 billion investment in its cloud services, targeting data centre growth in the UK between 2024 and 2028. The full £40 billion investment will also contribute to employee salaries and infrastructure enhancements, reinforcing the company’s standing as one of the UK’s largest private sector employers.

The announcement comes as the UK’s Labour government aims to stimulate economic growth and attract more foreign investment. While Amazon’s plans are viewed as a positive signal, the company is also facing scrutiny, with an ongoing investigation by the UK grocery regulator into its supplier payment practices.

enfinium and ENGIE partner to deliver sustainable electricity from waste

April Lara
-
0
enfinium and ENGIE partner to deliver sustainable electricity from waste

Enfinium has secured a three-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ENGIE to supply electricity from its new Skelton Grange facility in Leeds. Starting in 2025, the plant will generate 390 GWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of 140,000 UK homes. The deal aligns with ENGIE’s strategy to offer customers reliable, low-carbon energy while supporting sustainable waste management.

The Skelton Grange facility, due to begin operations in summer 2025, will play a critical role in decarbonising waste management in the region. By processing unrecyclable waste, the plant will divert 410,000 tonnes from landfill each year, significantly reducing its environmental impact. In addition, the Aire Valley Heat and Power Network will tap into waste heat from the facility to provide sustainable heating solutions, supported by £19.5 million in government funding.

The development of the £500 million Skelton Grange facility is expected to have a long-term economic impact, creating over 400 construction jobs and 40 permanent roles once fully operational, thereby bolstering the local economy and contributing to the UK’s energy security.

1...404142...1,012Page 41 of 1,012